Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) - Family support directory
When support is available
Statutory maternity pay (SMP), Some employers may provide more maternity pay under the terms of your contract. Maternity allowance (MA)
Who qualifies
Employed women who have: Been continuously employed with the same employer for at least 26 weeks, ending with the 15th week before the EWC. Average gross weekly earnings of at least 125.00 a week over at least 8 weeks, ending with the 15th week before the EWC. Women who have been: Employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the EWC (the 26 weeks do not have to be continuous); and had average weekly earnings of at least £30 a week in any 13 weeks in the 66 week period; or helping out unpaid in their spouse or civil partner’s business for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before EWC.
More information
Tell your employer and provide MATB1 certificate. If an employer dismisses a pregnant woman at any time, solely or mainly to avoid paying SMP, they are still liable to pay SMP, providing she has been employed for at least eight weeks. She may also claim unfair dismissal. www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave. Claim on form MA1
